This army and monastic order starred in the Holy Land throughout the times of the third crusade nevertheless it focused its task in colonization of Eastern Prussia, Poland and Baltic nations, bringing Catholicism to the East. In 1199 Pope Innocent 3rd provided them the white surcoats with a black cross that became the insignia linked to the order. In 1242, the knights about the purchase have been defeated in battle of Lake Peipus by Alexander Nevsky, prince of Novgorod.